Plant Guide

Genus: Fringe flower

Loropetalum

Photo/Illustration:

Steve Aitken

Fringe flower(Loropetalum)

lor-oh-PET-ah-lum

Hamamelidaceae

Loropetalum is a small genus of only one or a few evergreen shrubs or small trees in the witch hazel family. The resemblance is obvious in the fragrant, spider-like flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, when few other plants are in bloom. These plants are native to woodlands of the Himalayas, China, and Japan. Some cultivars have colorful foliage. Grow Loropetalum in a woodland garden or shrub border.

Noteworthy characteristics: Fragrant, spidery flowers in late winter and early spring.

Care: Site in partial shade in fertile, humusy, moist but well-drained soil. Prune annually after flowering, and remove damaged or dead branches in mid-spring.

Propagation:

As soon as seeds are ripe, sow them in containers outdoors. Or, using bottom heat, root semi-ripe cuttings in summer.